In their race for the 10th District seat, congressional hopefuls Dan Seals and Robert Dold put up remarkably similar fundraising numbers in the second quarter of 2010, each collecting about $555,000 during the period.
The money came from similar sources, too, the candidates' latest Federal Election Commission disclosure reports show. Dozens of local doctors, lawyers, business executives and other professionals cut checks to Seals, a Wilmette Democrat, and Dold, a Kenilworth Republican.
The candidates received thousands of dollars from various political action committees, too, the records show, although Seals received much more money from such groups than Dold.
A few notable Chicago-area residents contributed to the two campaigns. Filmmaker, actor and Glencoe resident Harold Ramis sent Seals a check for $250, while James Tyree, CEO of Mesirow Financial and chairman of the Sun-Times Media Group, gave Seals $1,000. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin gave $5,000 to Seals, too.
"Dan is proud to have the support of a diverse group of individuals who recognize his commitment to fiscal responsibility and share his values and vision," said campaign spokeswoman Aviva Gibbs.
No fundraising slouch, Dold got $4,800 from philanthropists Margot and Thomas Pritzker and $1,000 from former Gov. James Thompson.
Dold also received $1,000 from Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park, who now represents the 10th District but is running for U.S. Senate against Democrat Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Additionally, Kirk's predecessor in the House, John Porter, gave Dold $500, reports show.
